The Agence Francaise de Lutte Contre le Dopage (AFLD) has commented on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report into the drug testing at this year’s Tour de France. The French agency sees the report as a vindication of its own role in the race, yet recognises that improvements can be made.
“Charged by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to provide detailed information to better target control on the riders of the 2010 tour de France,” says the AFLD statement, “the AFLD has fulfilled its mission with competence as well as the assisting the independent observers of the WADA.
“The presence of observers at the Tour de France helped in giving the controls carried out in that competition increased fairness and efficiency. They also played an important role in deterring riders tempted to exploit the possibilities of doping.
“Effectiveness of the controls must nevertheless be improved,” the statement concedes. “Implementation of several recommendations of the independent observers would usefully compliment the anti-doping programme. In particular, a better concentration on the results of the Biological Passport before the before the race, and the loyal cooperation of all parties and institutions present.”
AFLD also seems to offer an olive branch to the International Cycling Union (UCI); the two organisations have been at loggerheads for a number of years over the responsibility for testing at French races, but now AFLD appears to be offering to work in partnership once more.
“On the occasion of major competitions (Paris-Nice, Dauphine Libere and tour de France) next season,” says the statement, “the AFLD is wiling to join forces to those deployed by the Union Cycliste Internationale, before as well as during competitions.”